Wal-Mart Walkers team captains, from left, Anita Teasdale and Merri Love Ray, take a receipt from Relay accounting committee member Lenettie Qualls after making another team deposit on the final 2009 Bank Night.
Tuesday night was the final Bank Night for the 2009 event; however, money will still be accepted until July 31. Money turned in starting in August will be applied to the 2010 Relay for Life, according to Sherry Massey, a member of the local steering committee.
No fund-raising goal was set by the county this year because of the state of the economy, Massey explained, but the American Cancer Society (ACS) set a goal of $340,000 for the county, based on improving last year’s contribution of $328,000.
In spite of the economy, and the fact that rain and thunderstorms forced officials to cancel most of the June event, — between the hours of 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday — Sampsonians managed to raise $322,358.79 so far, calculated Mike Lanier of the accounting committee. Lanier noted that he knows of another $7,000-$8,000 pledged from local teams to add to that amount in addition to any other donations turned in by the end of the month.
“I think it was great,” Massey remarked of the financial support shown this year to Relay.
ACS representative Jennifer Dauphinais added, “I think it was marvelous.”
In fact, Dauphinais mentioned, Sampson County’s Relay raised more than double some of its surrounding counties, which Dauphinais also represents. No doubt, Sampsonians are large supporters of cancer awareness and prevention, the committees agreed.
According to RelayForLife.org, 70 percent of funds raised through Relay for Life go directly back to fighting cancer. Last year, $121 million in Relay dollars was allocated to research; $139 million to detection/treatment; $171 million to prevention; and $174 million to patient support. The remaining 30 percent of funds were used for fund raising and general management costs. Money will be allocated in the same way this year.
Although the 2009 Relay year is coming to an end this month, the steering committee already has plans for the 2010 Relay. For committee members, cancer never stops so neither should Relay for Life.
“I never stop thinking about (Relay),” Massey commented.
So, as one Relay year wraps up, another will kick off at a “wrap-up/kick-off” ceremony in September. Teams from 2009 will be recognized for their efforts and a final total for the year will be announced to wind up this year’s event. The 2010 season will then commence as teams start thinking about how to continue fighting for the cause.
Steering committee member Denise Scronce indicated that the September kickoff is meant to share thoughts and plans for the 2010 Relay, to give team captains a “heads up before the holidays ... and get ideas going.”
Scronce clarified that team captains shouldn’t feel overwhelmed. “We’ll really crank up in January ... There will not be the pressure of doing things during the holidays,” she stated. By starting early, the committee hopes teams will be more prepared to move full speed ahead in January, Scronce summarized.
Scronce said the committee is considering many ideas for the upcoming year.
Tickets are currently on sale for a region-wide fund-raising on Aug.1— a womanless beauty pageant at the Duplin Events Center. In December, the committee plans to host its annual candlelight vigil, and also have a float in the Clinton Christmas parade, Massey pointed out. Other ideas will be explored and taken into consideration at the September meeting, which all team captains and those interested in starting a team are encouraged to attend.
To contact Amy Kelly call 592-8137 ext. 119 or send e-mail to sigov@myclintonnc.com.
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